we have a time zone where you could trade with asia in the morning, america and the afternoon. we have the easiest access to the european markets, the largest gold market on earth. we of some of the best universities in the world, and we have here in london one of the world's leading financial centers. we have architect of a modern commuter -- computer and world wide web. last week the rate of new business creation was faster than any other year in our history. we had a trade surplus for the first time in almost 40 years. with technology invest in the u.k. now at a 10-year high, it is not just the old industries growing again, it is the new. with all this and more, i truly believe in this new century, just as of the sentries that came before, our country, britain, can succeed. let me turn to hal. helping britain's sell abroad is of vital part of the answer. -- let me turn to how. our country will only rise if we let our people rise. if we back aspiration of those that want to get on in life, that means sorting out the welfare system and education, because the most powerful na